1986 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Petrol · D954 BAA

The Land Rover Defender presents as roadworthy on the most recent test, passing cleanly on 21 August 2025 at 214,271 miles with no defects recorded. The maintenance trend is stable, with two consecutive passes showing no advisories and no recurring mechanical faults flagged across the available history. The recorded mileage of 214,271 against a 1986 build gives an average of roughly 5,357 miles per year, which is low for a 40-year-old working vehicle. The records show only 923 miles added between the June 2022 test at 213,348 miles and the July 2024 failure at 213,981 miles, then a mere 287 miles to the September 2024 pass at 213,984. A clean failure with no defects logged on 15 July 2024 at 213,981 miles points to an administrative or presentation issue at that test rather than a mechanical fault. The sparse, clean record gives little evidence of neglect but equally reveals little about component condition. A buyer should still commission an in-person inspection of chassis rails, bulkhead, and outriggers for structural corrosion, as MOT passes on low-mileage Land Rovers often miss early rot hidden by dirt. The suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers warrant physical checks given the vehicle's age and likely periods of standing. Verify the 15 July 2024 failure reason with DVSA, since no defects were recorded yet the test resulted in a fail. Confirm the actual mileage is correct and not a clerical entry error before purchase.